topic Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working. in Home Automation

Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

Colgate75 — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:07:51 GMT

Doorbell automations not working on press. Only turn off/turn on option. No pressed option.

Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

Colgate75 — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:30:33 GMT

I have found the automation works once only then doesn’t work again.

Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

DeboraJ — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:29:39 GMT

Hi @Colgate75,

Thanks for reaching out to the community! I understand that you're having issues with your doorbell automations. It's certainly strange that the routine works once and then stops, and I'm happy to help you look into this.

To get a better understanding of the situation, could you please provide a few more details?

What is the brand and model of your doorbell?
Could you describe the automation in detail? Specifically, what is the full trigger ("When...") and the action ("Then...") that is supposed to happen?
After the automation works the first time, what steps do you have to take to get it to work again for that single time?
Have you checked if there are any pending updates for your Google Home app or your doorbell's firmware?

Once I have this information, I can better assist you.

Best regards,

Debora

Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

Colgate75 — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:33:30 GMT

Google Nest Doorbell (wireless)

Software version: gq-user 1.75 OPENMASTER 497518 release-keys stable-channel stable-channel

Automation steps

Trigger is door bell - turn on

currently no condition set.
Action to turn on Hue light.

The only way to get it working again to delete the automation and recreate. It works once then never again.

it was working ok before the Google Home App update.

No pending updates for doorbell or home app.

Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

DeboraJ — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:49:23 GMT

Hi @Colgate75

Thanks for letting me know that information! I've looked into this, and currently, a doorbell press isn't available as a 'starter' (or trigger) for automation in the Google Home app. To initiate an automation, the "starter" device needs to have an on/off state. The Nest Doorbell, by its design, is always on to detect events, whether someone presses the button or not. Its primary function is continuous detection, so it doesn't have an "off" state that could act as a trigger for automation.

However, I understand that implementing this type of functionality would be very useful for many people. I encourage you to share this idea in our feedback form. This helps us with future features and the overall improvement of our products.

I hope this information helps!

Best regards,

Debora

Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

Colgate75 — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:33:30 GMT

Thanks, I’ve cancelled my home premium subscription until this is sorted. It’s a must have for a doorbell automation to being able to provide an action on press.

Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

Raveboy9 — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:23:04 GMT

Hi Debora,

The "doorbell pressed" was, in fact, a starter option up until the last google home update. It was working fine prior to that. Removing that option has made the doorbell useless as it was being used for a hearing impaired person. We could use the "doorbell pressed" starter to trigger either a flashing light or a louder sound etc.

The 3 remaining triggers are not appropriate as "Detects motion" and "Detects event" would mean the automation would trigger inappropriately.

Could you please look into WHY the starter was removed at the latest update.

Re: Doorbell Pressed automations no longer working.

Pascal2900 — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:34:51 GMT

Totally agree: it was available, Please bring it back. I will have a look for alternative doorbells also